Chapter Text
Its early morning and Beth is happy to wake up to the serene quiet, with a bit of sun coming through the crack in the curtains. Usually her mind races with a long list of To-Do items, one by one, but this morning she woke up feeling refreshed with time to allow her mind to wander. Her mind drifts to the past months.
She considers how quickly six months have passed since Nick was put in jail and Beth won her seat as council woman. It’s been a smooth transition except the part where Beth had to figure out how to get Annie out of jail, it took three weeks. Beth’s sure her sister will never let her forget that sacrifice. Ruby was able to convince Stan not to go to Nevada, surprisingly enough from a suggestion made by Rio. Ruby introduced Stan to the idea of him fully running the legal side of the strip club. He’d control all the inner workings, from the security of the girls to the bar. It piqued his interest, but the deal wasn’t sealed until Rio said he’d talk to him about it to ‘clear up things’ is how he put it. After that Stan seem to be onboard, even coming up with ideas on how to improve different parts of the business. Ruby tried to ask what Stan and Rio had talked about but he just said he could see it being a way for them to make money if everything pans out.
Beth and Rios relationship has been pleasant, with no new ventures or expansions because of the heat put on them from the shooting and arrest of brousin Nick. They continue to clean the cash and only do enough that is safe but profitable. Beth works with him to align future plans with zoning of interested warehouses, introducing or participating in the writing of new legislation or anything that could impact their illegal activity. Her phone rings and breaks her train of thought, she looks down and speak of the devil.
She answers, “hello.”
“I know its early, did I interrupt your morning routine?”
Beth can’t help but drool at the sound of his voice in the morning.
“No, I was just getting ready to make coffee. What did you need?”
Rio chuckles, “Right to the point, aight, I need you to meet me. Today. Can you make it?”
“Of course, how’s 11am?”
“That’ll work. Meet at the spot.”
A beat passes and Rio adds, “I don’t hear the kids, they still sleep?”
Beth smiles at that.
“I think I hear Kenny moving around, but yes.”
Rio lets out a, "hmm."
Beth continues, “Kenny told me he saw you at his last game… you didn’t tell me you were going.”
“He mentioned that he had a game coming up, that neither of y’all was gonna make it, so… told him I’d swing by if I could. Had the time, figured I’d see what all his bragging was about… he’s good.”
Beth replies, “You know he’s going to want you to come to another one now, right?”
“Yeah. That’s fine, might bring Marcus next time. If that’s ok with you, mama… is it?”
“I mean…” Beth stutters, “Sure. But it makes me want to ask…”
Rio interjects with a low tone, “Ask what?”
After twisting her mouth Beth finally ask what she’s been itching too for weeks now, “What are we doing, Rio?”
A long intense moment passes only to be interrupted by Emma running to the counter where Beth is sipping her coffee.
“Good morning, Mommy!” as Emma reaches for her mother in a morning hug and her other siblings filter in the room grabbing food and saying good morning as well.
Emma continues her morning probing, “Who are you on the phone with Mommy?”
“Mr. Rio. You need to eat so we can get you dressed and out the door in 30 minutes, you think you can handle that?”
Emma nods but before she jumps out of her mothers lap she says, ever so loudly, towards the phone in Beth’s ear, “Good morning, Mr. Rio!”
Beth face is flushed with amusement and shock as she stands and Rio replies, “Good mornin' darlin'.” Emma blushes and runs off to join her siblings pouring her breakfast.
“I better go, so I won’t be late…”
“Aight, we’ll finish that conversation when I see you at 11.”
When they see each other at one of their usual meetups, they go over some changes in routes and other details based on some entail Rio received. When they were done Beth grabbed her purse to leave but Rio reached for her hand. And like every time they touch a moment passes that just seems so… like they’re the only ones in the room… like this thing between them is just… more.
“You forgettin’ somethin’?”
“Forgetting what?”
Rio gives her a look that is half smirk, half authoritative and it sends chills through the hand he has yet to let go of. He continues to look at her, until Beth yields, “If you’re speaking about earlier then… do you have an answer?”
He signals to the chair she just vacated, “Sit back down.”
Rio begins, “So, I was thinkin’ I need to go to Alaska on business for three days in a week.” Beth eyes grow and he can’t help but smile a little at her confused look. “I want you to come with me… We haven’t been expanding our business. Stagnant for good reason, but I think it’s time we explore some other options, at the same time handle some precautionary measures, ya know?”
It’s not really a question but Beth nods in understanding and then responds, “What would you need me for? And it’s kind of last minute.”
Rio, mockingly considers her thoughts for a second, “Thought we were partners.” He lets that statement linger in the air a moment while turning side to side on his swivel chair, with his fingers interlocked, eyes never leaving hers, “And I think we can swing it, neither of us got the kids next week.”
Beth contemplates his offer, “I’ve definitely always wanted to go to Alaska but with all the other expenses I have right now it’ll just be too…”
Rio interrupts, “Did I ask you to pay? I know Alaska is on your long ass list of places to go…”
Beth scoffs, “How did you, when did I…”
Rio openly laughs, “Mami you love drunk dialin’ me, did you forget a couple months ago?” Beth’s entire face is pink with embarrassment, he continues, “I thought it’d be a chance for us to talk about what you asked me this morning, without any interruptions. So… we goin’?”
Beth not happy with him besting her throughout the conversation, looks him directly in his eyes and says as confidently as should could muster, “Yes. I’ll rearrange somethings. Send me the specifics.”
Rio pulls out his phone and with a swipe and a poke, “Done.”
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Beth continues through her week a bit on edge throughout her council meetings, speaking events, and reading on draft after draft of legislation changes/suggestions. She meets with Ruby and Annie at their fav café shop.
Annie is giving a detailed description of her jail cell and her roommate who she just admitted to emailing daily.
“I mean what am I supposed to do, she literally saved my ass in there. She jumped on that big bitch’s throat. I didn’t even see her coming. Big ass sumo wrestler was ready to end my life because I accidentally stepped on her shoes. Her JAIL shoes. Anyway, I figured I owed her to at least keep in touch.” Annie shrugs as Ruby shakes her head looking at her in disbelief.
“Sometimes, I wonder about you girl, like what if she takes you up on that act of kindness when she gets out of prison or starts asking you for money?” Ruby inquires.
“It’s jail, not prison.”
“What?” Ruby is so confused.
“It’s jail, prison is when you’re in for more than a year.”
Ruby’s shakes her head and her eyes are closed.
“I know it’s crazy, but like you don’t get it she was cool. Like really cool.”
“Definitely don’t get it, don’t wanna to get it.” Ruby nudges Beth, “Please talk to your sister.”
Beth just blinks and tries to join back into the conversation. Ruby looks at Beth and notices she’s zoned out.
“Hey, girl, what’s up?”
Beth recovers quickly, “I’m fine. Annie if she’s in jail and not prison, she’ll be out soon and you’ll have a new roomie.”
Annie makes a face, “uggh”
“Exactly.” Ruby stated.
“Rio wants me to go to Alaska with him.”
“What? Why?” Ruby asks.
“He wants to bone.” Annie says nonchalantly while eating her fries, “I mean it’s been a while, right? Unless you two have been secretly boning again.”
“I could definitely see that.” Ruby nods looking straight at Annie across the table.
“Oh my God, Annie stop saying bone and I’m serious he says it’s a business trip.”
“To Alaska though, what and who the hell is in Alaska?” Ruby is looking pointedly at Beth.
“He just said it’s a new venture, he wasn’t clear.”
“He’s never clear and that’s usually the problem.” Ruby combats.
“What if he wants to finally even the score between you and him, I mean hell how many times have you tried to kill him now? I wouldn’t wanna go to Chucke Cheese with his ass.” Annie admits.
“Yeah, well we’ve both done shit things to each other so…” Beth claps back.
“So, are you going?” Ruby asks.
Beth looks at both of them and then replies, “I already said yes.”
“Well shit!” Annie says as she looks at Ruby who’s also surprised, “hold up isn’t Alaska on your places to go before you croak list?”
“It’s called a bucket list and yes.”
Ruby turns to Beth, “I mean, I know we don’t really talk about it but you two have been doing really well on the business side and I just assumed it was all business. Is it or… was Annie, right?”
“We’re not sleeping together, we haven’t kissed or anything… but it has been nice to talk to him. He comes around a little more than necessary for work and stuff. And you know he got Rhea to let Marcus have his playdates with Jane again. We talk on the phone sometimes. Oh, and he got Danny that new art set he needed but I kept forgetting to get him, it’s a good one his sister recommended. She’s into art too. Sometimes he swings by the office so we can talk about work and everything, you know. It’s nice.”
Beth finally looks up from her rambling and playing with her food to realize they’re staring at her with their mouths open.
“Bitch, what?? You just described dating!! Like you’re dating Gangfriend.” Ruby looks up in thought then continues, “That might be worse than you screwing him. How did you not tell us?”
“There was nothing to tell, Ruby.” Beth looks at her then Annie.
“Sorry to tell ya sis, but uhhh your face,” Annie stops to point and draw a circle in the air around Beth’s face, “while talking about him says otherwise. At this point you might as well get some.”
Beth mouth opens but Ruby interrupts.
“You know it’s scary when your sister has a point. You two have been dancing around this shit for years, it has to be tiring.”
Beth was going to say something to the contrary but then she just nods, “I kinda am tired of it, so… I asked him.”
Annie now totally reinvested into the conversation, “yeah and what did he say?”
“He said we’d talk about it while we were there.”
“Ok so,” Ruby puts it all together, “Let me get this straight, you’ve been semi dating Gangfriend creating a relationship with him and your children and his family. You’re 100% single now, he invited you to a place that is surely at the top of your to-go list and you smile when you talk about him… hmmm. Yeah Annie, they’re boning for sure up in Alaska.” Annie throws her hands up in complete agreeance, then looks at her cell.
“Well damn, I gotta get back to work, but that’s a helluva way to end this, my sis bout to get some. Make sure you wax. Let me know if you need me for the kids. I’m out.” Annie already up and going towards the exit.
Beth and Ruby follows but first Ruby asks, “Hey, you gonna be alright?”
“Yeah, I’ll be fine.” Beth replies without looking directly at her and Ruby stops.
“If your feelings for him are as strong as I think they maybe, he can hurt you in more ways than just physical and it can be just as dangerous especially in this line of work. So, please. Please be careful and don’t be afraid to talk to me, you hear me?”
Beth looks at her fully now, “I hear you... and thank you.” She squeezes Ruby’s arm as they walk to the exit.
“Are you really gonna get a wax?” Ruby asks and Beth bursts out laughing.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The next week went by fairly routine and quickly enough, with Beth and Rio communicating per usual about work mostly and a bit about the kids, but nothing about the upcoming trip. They both had to ensure everything is set up for the kids in their absence, Beth shoots Dean a text letting him know she wouldn’t be in town a few days for business. Dean didn’t probe, but he did tell her to be safe, that he had it all covered on his end. She was more than happy to avoid the conversation that may have went differently had they been in person or on the phone. Rio, however, told Rhea face to face.
Rhea opens the front door quickly and rushes back to the kitchen where her water was overboiling. Rio follows in behind her and closes the door.
“Hey what’s up?” Rio asks as he props his hands on the back of her barstools.
“Nothing, Marcus is upstairs. He should be almost done getting ready for bed.”
“Aight,” he heads for the steps and then turns back around, “I’m going out of town for a few days. I’ll check in on Pop, but I won’t be at his practice Thursday. Imma tellem’ but I wanted to give you a heads up.”
“Where are you going?”
“Alaska.”
Rhea gives him an inquisitive look.
“Business.” Rio states.
She nods in understanding, then turning the pot off completely before she turns to look at him in earnest.
“Is Beth going with you?”
Rio shrugs then intertwines his fingers in front of himself, “Yeah, why?”
Rhea lets out a humorless chuckle and then says, “ok.”
Rio good and annoyed now, looks around, glances at the steps before he says, “Say what you need to say Rhea.”
“You know damn well what I’m gonna say, but you’re gonna do exactly what you wanna do, so… ok.” She looks him dead in the eye.
He just stands there waiting and looking back at her.
Then Rio replies, “She’s my partner, she need to be there.”
With a tired look on her face, Rhea replies, “Alright, Chris.” She closes her eyes, straightens her back and looks at Rio with renewed focus, “If she ever tries to make our son fatherless again, if she fails or succeeds doesn’t matter, I meant what I said a year ago and I have no intention on backing out of my promise.” She steps closer to the counter between them and he leans on the counter taking in her words, “It’ll be ruthless, Christopher.”
Still leaning on the counter with his chin in his hand. Rio looks back at her, “I get it, I understand.”
Rhea nods her acknowledgement and Rio heads for the stairs.
Entering Marcus room.
“Hey Pop, ready for bed.”
“Hi Daddy!” Marcus runs to hug his father. Rio picks him up swiftly and carries him to his bed. They go through their usual routine getting him ready for sleep.
“So, I’m going out of town for a few days. You might not be able to reach me, some spots don’t get great cell service.”
“When do you leave?”
“Thursday”
“Where are you going?”
“Alaska.”
“You going by yourself?”
Rio looks at him a moment, then answers, “Ms. Elizabeth s’coming with me.”
Marcus nods his head, looking just like his father in the moment, Rio smiles.
“Good. She can keep you company and you won’t have to be alone the whole time, like always.”
Rio just looks at his son as Marcus begins to blink slowly. He wonders if his son thinks he’s lonely often.
“Imma call you every night at bedtime, cool.”
Marcus nods and snuggles into his pillow. Rio just sits back in the chair he always sits in and waits for him to be sound asleep before leaving.
“You smile a lot when she’s around, I like it.” Marcus says with his eyes closed.
“I smile all the time, especially with you Pop.” Rio replies and rubs his son head.
Marcus smiles and lazily opens his eyes, “You don’t smile all the time, you smile at me dad, not everybody else. But you always smile around Ms. Beth.” He closes his eyes at that, leaving his father taken aback.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
It’s Thursday morning and Beth is already getting dressed and packing. She gets a call from Annie.
“Hey, when you make an omelet does it matter what type of mushroom you use? The ingredients aren’t specific on the type in this recipe I’m following.”
“Good morning. How are you, do you have time to talk? Anything like that would be good.”
“I know your ass is wide awake and over stressing getting ready to go with Rio, you’re low key happy for the distraction. Now can I put these mushroom portobello ones in there?”
“Oh God, how long have you had mushrooms in your fridge Annie?”
“I don’t know… not too long though. I went shopping Tuesday last week.”
“It’s Saturday, Annie. Why are you making an omelet anyway?”
Beth is holding up night clothes options, not trying to assume what Annie and Ruby insinuated, but not trying to look homely.
“I just wanted to try and eat healthier, kinda made a bet with… a friend. You done packing?”
“Nice switch of conversation.” Beth looks at the pajamas, “Trying to figure out which set to bring to sleep.”
“Ughhh, just wear a nightie, you won’t be wearing it every night, I am sure, so don’t worry so much. Just don’t wear those damn sets.”
Beth rolls her eyes, “Who’s the friend?”
Annie then rolls her eyes, “Just somebody who’s trying to get healthy too ya know, nothing big.”
Beth looks at the time and realizes she needs to hurry up, “Look I gotta go, but the portobello should be fine but check to see how it feels to the touch and smells. It shouldn’t be slimy, stinky, you know what skip the damn mushroom. It’ll still be healthy.”
Annie smiles, “Thanks sis, and uhhh… be safe ok. I know things with him is always more than what you tell me so… just be careful.”
“Thank you, Annie”
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rio gets into the car with Mick after putting his luggage in the trunk.
“Hey, thanks man.” Rio daps Mick in greeting.
Mick nods and pulls off as Rio pulls out his phone and shoots out a few texts.
“Aye, we need to swing pass and pick up Boss.” Rio says with humor.
“Yeah, I know.” Mick says and Rio looks at him questioningly.
Mick clarifies, “Her sister told me she was goin’ with you.”
Rio hums a bit and nods, “So ya’ll back cool, cause she been givin’ you the death stare since?” Mick nods and focuses on the road.
Rio just smirks in return and asks, “Is everything set up?”
“Yeah, everythings a go.” Mick responds.
“Good. Imma need you to switch out who we got on the inside. I wanna put JT in to watch him and Studs to replace Kirk.”
Mick glances at Rio, then he turns his attention back on the road and asks, “Do you want one of them in the same cell?”
“Nah, Nick too smart for that. Just put Studs on his block, he’ll see him comin’ and that’s fine I want him to know I’m watchin. Then put JT close enough, he ain’t nothing to look at, he blends in.”
Mick nods, “How long you think we gonna have to keep an eye out on’im?”
Rio snaps, “How long you think?” His response was laced with tension and Mick recognizes it right away.
Mick nods and continues to drive. Rio’s irritated with himself because he knows Mick’s only concerned on how ugly this can go, but Rio doesn’t want to go there either.
“Look, all this is preventive. Not plannin’ on jumpin’ guns, yeah.”
Mick glances at him and nods in agreement, “It’ll be taken care of.”
When they arrive at Beth’s, she’s already walking down the driveway and Rio and Mick exit the vehicle. Beth unaware Mick was driving them gives a studied look towards Mick and then to Rio.
“Hey mama.” Rio grabs her bags and Mick opens the trunk.
She simply replies, “Hey.”
Beth quickly gets into the back seat and was about to close the door when Rio holds it open, says something to Mick then climbs in beside her.
As they settle Rio asks softly, “You good?” Beth nods. Her eyes go to the rearview mirror and meets with Mick’s.
“Thank you… for the ride.” Beth says.
Beth can still see through the rearview mirror, Mick gives Beth a soft and slow nod of acknowledgement, before he drives off to the airport.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Two hours later Beth and Rio are boarded on a first-class flight to Anchorage, Alaska. Beth has only been on a plane a few times in her life and it had never been like this, the luxury of it. She tried to remain put together, but Rio could tell she was nervous and a bit on edge. As soon as the flight was in the air he stopped the flight attendant and asked what options of drink they offered. Rio could feel Beth’s leg fidgeting so he placed his hand on her knee, ceasing her movements, but his eyes never left the flight attendant.
“We’ll take two,” Rio points to the option of vodka, “and two waters, thank you.”
It’s as if the attendant is just now noticing Beth and her huge smile diminishes just a bit and then returns quickly, “We’ll be right back with your drinks.”
Rio turns to Beth. “You nervous?”
“I mean a little, I can’t remember the last time I’ve flown and it’s only been a couple of times. Short flights to neighboring states with kids, nothing like this.”
He nods and squeezes her knee a bit, where his hand still resides.
“Just relax mama, try to enjoy it. The drink’ll be here soon and then you can… rest a little, yeah?”
“Yeah” she nods. Beth then adds, “So, what are we going to be doing when we get there, is it a lot?”
Rio smirks, “Darlin’, we’re about to be on this plane for like seven hours. We have plenty’a time. We gonna go over everything, aight.” He squeezes her knee once more before he lets go, but he’s still looking at her. Beth offers him a small smile as response and then sits back and slowly relaxes.
The flight goes smoothly and Beth enjoys all of it, she enjoys the drink as it helped her unwind. Her and Rio enjoy their usual banter, he indeed filled her in on what the plans were once they got to Alaska. They were due to the port directly off their flight to inspect some, “inventory”. He said he’d explain the details of that on the drive there. Tomorrow we were going to meet with some engineers on some new product that’s coming to Detroit in waves. Beth could tell Rio was really excited about it and she always liked when his smile was big, which it was usually for Marcus or lots of money. He talks some specifics but she wasn’t really following and figured she could piece it together better once she saw what he was speaking about in person.
After landing, Beth calls her kids letting them know she arrived safely and touch base with their day. Rio retrieves their bags and they both head outside. As soon as she steps outside the colder temperature hits her, a stark difference compared to Detroit with it still being nice there. Rio walks over to a beautiful, sleek, black two-seater and as Beth takes a closer look she realizes it’s a BMW 8 series. Her time working at the dealership did give her a better knowledge of cars, dream cars were all the sales men ever talked about on their downtime. She knew enough to know that this car is more than expensive, it’s ridiculously so. Rio opens the trunk and Beth is confused, walking faster to catch up to him.
“How… how did you get the car?” She’s looking around and peeking into the car, “where is the person who brought it?”
Rio chuckles, “They already left, I texted them once we had our luggage, he left the keys inside. The door is unlocked, it’s cold get inside.” Motioning to their belongings, “I’ll take care of this.” Beth gets into the car and thinks she really doesn’t know Rio, he surprises her all the time. How much money does he really have and how far does his reach really go? She’s asking herself a million and one questions but is interrupted when Rio gets in the car and smiles at her. All her questions are forgotten as they drive off to their next stop.
Some 90’s music is playing softly on the radio and as they merge onto the parkway towards the port. It’s comfortable silence. But then…
“Aight, so remember when I told you we needed to take care of some precautionary measures.” Beth looks at him in acknowledgement and Rio continues, “well see, there’s a big gun shipment headed for Detroit and it’s fuckin’ loaded with all kinds of shit, I mean, it can be a real problem depending on who gets their hands on it. It’s way too much artillery for what I have use for and I ain’t in the business of holding product I ain’t usin’ or sellin’.”
“Well, why wouldn’t you sell it? I thought you did.”
“Nah, ma, not this kinda shit. This amount and type ain’t my speed, draws way too much attention and usually ends in huge turf wars, power shifts and sometimes up and comin’ players takin’ a shot and all that interferes with my bottom line.”
“Yeah, and half the guns could end up in kids hands.”
“Exactly, so the plan is to divert the impact on Detroit and get the sellers more interested in other areas. Of course, we’ll purchase a portion, enough to make them unwilling to unload the rest to our competitors. Even go so far to introduce’em to some new connects in Oakland and Cleveland.” Rio glances at her, while at the traffic light.
“I mean but, wouldn’t that just be passing that onto another city to have the same problem, guns everywhere. In children’s hands.”
“Look, we not tryin’ to save the world sweetheart.” He begins to turn into the port area and glances at her again, “and I say we worry about our kids first, yeah?”
Beth tilts her head to the side, raises her eyebrows in acknowledgment, then asks, “So, what are you looking for me to bring to the table here?
“Nothing, just be you mama. I’ll do the talkin’ unless you think you got somethin’ to add.” Rio states as he prepares to exit the vehicle, Beth shakes her head readying herself to follow alongside him.
XXXXXXXXX
Annie arrives at Ruby’s house with Sara, Henry, and Ben on her heels.
Ruby answers the door, “Thanks girl, that would’ve been a whole mess if you couldn’t pick the kids up.”
“I wasn’t doing anything and I didn’t realize Ben hadn’t seen them in so long. They were all talking a mile a minute.” She leans into Ruby as they walk into the kitchen and the kids disperse, “And FYI I think Sara has a new boo, might wanna check in on that.” Annie laughs out loud at Ruby’s shocked face.
“These kids are going to run me to an early grave if this new business doesn’t. Stan is really going all in at the club. Which I was happy as hell to see because, well he wasn’t talkin’ about leaving anymore and he seemed kind of excited. What I didn’t expect was stepping in like an accountant/assistant manager position. Like tonight, Krystal wasn’t good with keeping track of the girls schedule, cut, overhead and so forth, so I came in tonight to help fill in. I’ve had to come in late or leave my actual job early on more than one occasion these past few weeks. All that not including my physical therapy three times a week. So, really thank you.”
Annie squeezes Ruby’s arm and says, “No problem, what’s for dinner?”
Ruby looks at her exhausted, “Whatever in there that can be put in the oven and done in 15-25 minutes.”
Unfazed, Annie hops off the stool, “Works for me,” and walks over to the freezer. Annie pulls out some frozen corn, green beans, and pre-cooked chicken. Ruby nods impressed.
“Not a bad choice. I just knew you were going for that pizza box.” Ruby laughs.
“Nope, trying to be more healthy.”
Ben walks in, “She’s been like this all day. She tried to make an omelet with old mushrooms this morning and Aunt Beth had to tell her not to.” He grabs a bottled water and exits without waiting for a response.
“What brought this on, should I be worried?”
“Just a bet.”
“With who?”
Annie hesitates, then caves under Ruby’s glare, “Mick.”
“Whaaaat?” Ruby’s eyes are huge, “You heifers love burying the lede, when did you two get back cool? Does Beth know?”
“It was about a month or so ago when I had to do the drop off by myself, you were busy at the club, and Beth had a council meeting or something. It was just me and Mick and you know, I called him a dick, and an ass, and I’m sure bunch of other stuff. Then he said it wasn’t like that. Then he asked me if I wanted something to eat and I said no and that I was mad at him. He said I can still be mad and eat, so we got some Indian food. And dude that food was amazing, the Tika Masala was everything, but then Mick got me to try this Vindaloo amazing.” Ruby is looking at Annie like she’s going to slap her if she doesn’t get back to the point. Annie continues, “basically we just talked and I guess it kind of made sense, I mean I don’t know. The whole thing is crazy.”
“What did he say specifically?”
Annie breathes, trying to recall it accurately, “he said, Nick put a kill order out on Beth and he asked Mick to do it. Mick thought to refuse it… but he knew if he didn’t do it, he’d send someone else who would definitely follow through. Then I asked him why he had to leave the gun, sending me to jail. He just said he had to give him something substantial to hold him off. Then he said something about it being family drama and knew I’d get out because of Beth and Rio connections.”
The oven beeps and Ruby puts the chicken in and prepares the sides. “Are you mad at me?” Annie asks coming up behind Ruby.
“For what? I mean, it sounds like he may have saved her life and hell this is all crazy so… it shouldn’t even be shocking anymore.” Ruby continues to prepare the food.
“I think Beth is gonna call me a hypocrite again, ugggh, or jump in my shit like I did her.”
“Exactly, that’ll be the pot calling the kettle black. Plus, I don’t think she will. She hasn’t seemed that mad at Mick, not like you, maybe she already knows all that. Beth always knows more than we do.”
“I guess that’s the perks of gangleader having eyes for you. Have you heard from her since she left?”
“No, I’ll text her tonight though.” A beat passes and Ruby adds, “you worried about her?”
“I don’t know… I just hope that whatever the hell is going on with them two doesn’t turn into another war between them. All hell breaks loose when they’re not on good terms and I… I just don’t have in me to go through another of their power grabs, ya know?”
“Yeah, I do know.”
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The port has three huge ships that looked to have recently docked. It’s freezing and Beth looks to Rio, she just notices he’s wearing a thick black coat with a fur hood she’s never seen. She tries to judge if he’s as cold as she is, but he simply adjusts his beanie and looks forward. Following his line of sight Beth sees three men dressed casually in dark colors, one of them goes directly up to Rio. They greet casually and Rio quickly refers to Beth as his partner, the man nods at her in acknowledgement. She hears Rio say, “Let’s make this quick, it’s cold as shit,” and the guy laughs in amusement.
They quickly board the ship and walk to what seemed like the other half of the ship. They crack open several crates and Rio begins inspecting more guns than Beth has ever seen, even in the gun shop she went to years ago. Some of the weapons looked half her size in height and Rio made eye contact with Beth when he handled quite a few of them. It donned on her those were the ones he was concerned making its way to Detroit.
“Aight, that’s enough. I’ve seen what I need to.”
The man who approached him when they arrived looked confused and said, “But there’s two more ships with…”
Rio cuts him off, “No need, these are crates 1-37, right Blue?” The man, she now knows is Blue, nods and Rio continues, “Yeah that’s all I needed to see. I already talked to Slavek.” The man simply mouths ‘o’ and begins walking out. Beth looks at Rio. He simply places his hand to the small of her back and leads her to follow the man. The other two men were followed behind Rio.
They all walk back into the cold and there is a limo waiting that wasn’t there before. They climb down the stairs and once down, they walk in the direction of the limo. Beth looks back at Rio, he simply places a bit more pressure to her back so she moves forward. They stop at the back door of the limo, the window winds down enough for Blue to receive a message. Blue in turns opens the door gesturing for Rio to enter. When Beth begins to walk towards the door, Blue stops her and says, “He only said you Rio.”
Beth looks at Rio, but he’s looking directly at the man and says, “We ain’t got nothing to talk about if my partner ain’t comin’.”
Beth eyes widen a bit, but Rio doesn’t look away from Blue and a moment later he’s gesturing for them both to enter. Beth goes in first and scoots far over so that Rio can get in. Rio follows much more graceful than Beth and she has to force herself not to eyeroll at his smoothness. The door closes and Beth suddenly feels closed in. She looks at the man in front of them who is obviously Slavek and another well-dressed man sitting off to the side, she takes a second to realize the limo is huge.
Slavek speaks first, “Riooo, my guy. How are things?”
“Good. You?”
“I’m well, truly. So, who’s the beautiful woman you’ve brought with you today?”
“This here’s my partner Mrs. B, she’s here to help me out. Stays on my p’s and q’s and what not.”
Slavek looks curious opting to continue with business, “Well then, let’s get to business. What do you think of the shipment?”
“Good stuff, which is expected from you. Definitely needing more than my usual buy.” Rio leans forward, “but I know for sure you ain’t gonna be able to let go all that in Detroit.”
“Why not Rio, business not going as well as it use to? I remember a time I could drop this whole load in Detroit alone and now you’re saying half maybe too much.”
“Things ain’t how they use to be, you know that. And it ain’t like I won’t get you to what you need, keep the money flowing. Oakland and Cleveland been needin’ what you got.” Rio shoots back.
“That’s not how I like to do business, I like dealing with people I know. New people,” Slavek darts a glance at Beth, “make me nervous.”
Rio lets out a huge grin and a light chuckle then looks at Beth and back at Slavek, “Shit, I remember a time you ain’t know my ass either. But these dudes in Oakland specifically you should be familiar with, we run in the same circles. Da’Melo, Anton all upper west side a whole new market.”
Slavek seemed to be mulling Rio’s proposition over and Rio never looks away from him. Slavek then states, “It would be easier to just offer the other half to your competition, of course, across town... not too close out of courtesy.”
Rio looks unimpressed by his counteroffer.
Beth takes this moment to make her presence known.
“If I may…” Slavek looks at her and gestures for her to continue, “Detroit just had a huge election, kind of an upset. Tough on crime and really cracking down on guns. There’s even funding to support the new agenda for added funding for investigative policing. It just seems a bit risky to work with lower level players, when Rio here is willing to take half the load off your hands. You’re familiar with his work, no surprises there.” Following in Rio’s footsteps she holds his glare.
Slavek, allows the stare to linger. Then breaks into a smile, “Well ok.” He chuckles and turns his eyes back to Rio, “P’s and Q’s huh, ha.”
The meeting ending quickly after that with Rio and Slavek settling on the details and 10 minutes later they were back in the BMW. Nipsey Hussle’s Double Up is playing in the background and Rio lets out a chuckle. Beth, unfamiliar with the song, looks at Rio questioningly but he just shakes his head softly as he pulls to the traffic light. Turning right headed towards where they’re staying he says, “You really are sumthin’.” Rio let’s out a throaty laugh and Beth enjoys his praise, but she’s sort of distracted by the way the interior light reflects on his tattoo and the way his Adam’s apple bobs as he laughs.
“So, you’re happy with what you two settled on then?” Beth asks to distract her line of vision.
“Yup, and smart move talkin’ bout the changes in city politics. I think he’s gonna be happy with his set up with Oakland, Cleveland too. Plus, now he only wanna do business with me for the forseeable future, don’t wanna be caught up in political changes and whatnot.” He says the last part jokingly and Beth smiles at him.
Changing the subject Rio says, “We gonna have to get you a warmer coat mama, you were freezing out there.”
“I thought my sweater and button-down coat would be enough, it’s not even supposed to be that much colder here than Michigan, I checked before I left.”
Rio lets out another laugh, “Of course you did.” He laughs a little more to himself.
Not 20 minutes went by and they’re arriving in front of a gorgeous two-story cabin. Beth looks at Rio and then juts her hand out in front of them, “Really, Rio.”
“What, you wanted a hotel?”
“I mean… a whole cabin?”
Rio juts his bottom lip out and shrugs, “Like my privacy.”
“It’s only three days.”
“To a place you’ve always wanted to go, to talk about ‘what we’re doing’.” Rio looks at her and she’s just looking at him, mouth agape. “Let’s get you in and warmed up.”
Beth walks through the doors and it is as vast as it is charming, she simply loves this place. She looks around the living room area as Rio begins discarding his coat. A call comes through and Rio answers, Beth assumes it’s one of the guys, probably Mick, filling them in about the meeting. Beth takes a minute to just walk through the dining area, and kitchen, that was fully stocked with food and high-end cookware and appliances. In search of the thermostat because she is freezing and she eyes the fireplace. Grabbing some paper she puts it on the rack and then two logs, but decides to wait for Rio to finish his call before she lights it. She has no idea what the rules were about staying in a place like this, like is there an upcharge for certain things. In the hallway Beth sees Rio turning the thermostat up, while still talking on the phone.
It’s only when she hears, “Yeah, I’ll tell her. Mmhmm. Aight. I love you. Night,” that Beth realizes he’s speaking with Marcus now. He catches her looking at him as he ends the call and walks over to her. “You still cold?”
“Yeah, couldn’t find the thermostat, thank you for turning it up.”
“You get the fire started?”
“No, I was waiting on you. I have no idea what’s ok and what’s not.”
Rio smiles and closes the space between them and in his oh so familiar way he uses one finger to move her bangs away from her eyes and behind her ear, down her jaw, ending at the dimple in her chin. She leans into his touch. “Your room is right here, I put your things in already. I’ll get us something to eat and pull out the bourbon while you get settled, yeah?”
“Thank you.” Beth says and goes into her room while Rio goes into the kitchen.
When Beth returns from her much-needed shower she looks over her night clothes option and she curses Annie for suggesting she bring such flimsy choices. She opts for her workout leggings and fitted long sleeve shirt because she’s still cold. She rejoins Rio in the kitchen and he has Thai food out and he was beginning to plate his food. He looked at her and told her it was the only restaurant still open. She didn’t mind and was grateful not having to figure out what to eat at. They finished off their food, rinse the dishes, and put the food away before they went with their drinks toward the already lit fireplace. Rio sat on the couch spread out like he owned the place and Beth walked around touching all the surfaces, admiring the huge windows that were now closed. She couldn’t wait to see the light that comes through in the morning.
“Thank you for the food it was good… and the bourbon?” she says inquisitively.
“Knew you’d appreciate having that in stock.”
Beth gives him a knowing smile and sips.
“So, whatchu wanna talk about?” Rio starts.
“Everything.”
Rio let’s out a small gust of amusement and a smirk, then says, “mmkay. We ask one another any question we want, we both answer honestly.”
“I’m not even sure you’re capable of that kind of openness.”
“Try me, you go first.”
Beth goes for an easy one, “What’s your favorite color?”
Rio lets out a loud chuckle at that, “For real mama?” Beth just looks at him waiting, “Aight, grey.”
Elizabeth nods and pace with her bourbon swirling around, she sips.
“My turn. How you been feelin’ since the divorce?”
Beth stops pacing, shocked at the direction he was choosing.
“Honestly” she looks at Rio and he nods. Beth continues, “It’s been so overdue that we, even the kids, kind of fell into a routine rather easy. I mean, it is awkward sometimes, but overall good. I miss my kids when I’m away from them more than I’m use too, that’s why I take them to school on his weeks with them sometimes. If anything, I think I just get irritated with myself for not divorcing sooner, I’m happier, the kids are adjusting. I don’t know what I was really holding onto.”
Rio nods understandingly.
“My turn, how did you find this place, are you renting it?”
Rio smiles at that, “It’s nice right?” Beth nods, “yeah it’s a colleague’s, he lets me use his properties often. Thinkin’ bout getting me one, if all goes well.”
“Oh.” Elizabeth a little shocked, then takes another sip and adds, “It’s beautiful… I love it. Didn’t know you liked this kind of remoteness.” Rio smirks and nods, but doesn’t say anything in return. A moment passes and she takes a sip again then asks, “Do you plan on living this life forever?”
Rio takes a deep breath at that question and leans back on the couch, spreads his arms. Beth thinks that it almost looks inviting as if he’s asking her to come and straddle him. She shakes that thought away as she looks at his face, he looks serious.
“This was never my dream, darlin’. Not what I would’ve ever planned, but it’s where I’m at.” He drops his head and moves his arms to his knees, “Life is funny. Every time I think about how it would be if I could go back and change things, I remember how that could impact what I got. It’s a total mind fuck, when you think about it. But nah, I don’t want to do this forever.” They look at one another for a long lingering moment and then, as if he just remembered, “I gotta plan to get out. It’s gonna take about 5 years.”
He looks at her to gauge her reaction, Beth looks intrigued, he continues, “I figured, you can’t reign in this lifestyle forever. You get taken out one way or another prison/dead. I ain’t really interested in either. I need to get to 60 % of my business on the legit side before I can turn enough profit to make it possible to take my empire with me. See, I didn’t get here by myself. A lot of people invested in me, believed in me, sacrificed, so I gotta make sure that I ain’t the only one able to eat when I decide to go straight. Doing things on the up and up, don’t come without risks and takes a shit ton of money, but it’s all a means to an end.”
Elizabeth smiles and nods and sips. She thinks for a moment then asks, “Was Nick apart of your plan?”
The mood switched at the mention of Nick’s name. Rio face changed from a small smile to a neutral look, he responded simply, “No.”
He looks at Beth waiting. Beth looks at her drink and softly asks, “Is he gonna come after me, again? My kids? You’re his family so you’re safe, but my people…” she doesn’t finish.
Absorbing her words, Rio waits for her to look up from her drink before he answers and when she does, “It’s always a risk of retaliation mama, I’d be lying if I said anythin’ else. Our family don’t mess with kids though, they off limits. But as for you, he knows what’s at risk.”
“And what’s that?” Beth snaps.
Rio looks at her and knows she’s worried, but doesn’t appreciate her tone.
“We took him down, that’s fair game. Him havin’ you shot,” Rio readjusts in his seat. “let’s just say he plucked a card and if he uses it I Declare War.” His analogy had a tinge of humor. He’s holding a smirk with his mouth, the one that’s off putting, but his eyes held no humor, they were unwavering.
Beth was quick, “Why would you do that? He’s your family. And of course, he retaliated, we took him down, just like you said. He was never gonna come after you. You’re-His-Family!”
Rio looks at her as if she was all kinds of stupid, he stands and was in arms reach within seconds. His swift movement had her gripping her glass and taking a step back.
“What the fuck did you think him shooting you was about Elizabeth! It was a shot at me! All that other shit, the details between me and you, all the fucked-up shit is irrelevant.” Rio takes a breath, steps closer as he holds her stare and Beth’s eyes are saucers as she looks back. He quiets his tone to a deadly deep voice and he finishes clearly and slowly, “Because he knew exactly what it meant when he put that kill order out on you, using my ace to do it. It is because he is my cousin and you’re alive that he’s breathing. What he knows is any move on his part, in any direction other than neutral, he better kill the King because there’s no family card left to play.”
They’re inches apart now and Beth can smell his cologne, the bourbon on his breath, and just him. She has no idea what she’s supposed to do with what he just said. The realization that it’s been quite some time since they’ve been this close to one another hits her all at once and her breathing seems irregular. She doesn’t even know how long they’ve been standing there. Rio is the first to step back and he seems to be trying to contain something, anger maybe.
Rio finishes his drink in one swallow looks at Beth and says, “Goodnight, Elizabeth.” Then strides over to the sink to drop off his glass then up the stairs and into his room. Beth is still standing, rooted, in the same spot. She takes a breath and takes her glass into her room.